Vayalur Murugan Temple, Trichy

Address

Vayalur Murugan Temple,

Vayalur,

Trichy District – 620021.

Moolavar

Adinathar / Marappila Nathar / Agneeswaran

Amman

Adinayagi

Introduction

The Vayalur Murugan Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Muruga, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, located in the village of Kumaravayalur in Tiruchirapalli district, Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is believed to have been established during the Medieval Chola period in the 9th century.

Although the presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, the temple is renowned for its Murugan shrine, which attracts thousands of devotees. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

The temple is also notably associated with the revered Hindu savant, Kirupanandha Variyar, who contributed significantly to spreading devotion and religious teachings related to Lord Muruga.

Puranic Significance

This temple is approximately 1200 years old and was built during the reign of the Cholas in the 9th century AD. It is surrounded by lush green fields and is located near the Uyyakondan River. The five-tiered Rajagopuram, a modern addition, adds grandeur to the temple. It is said that the gopuram was consecrated by the revered savant Kirupanandha Variyar.

Although the main deity of the temple is Lord Muruga, his shrine is located behind the sanctum (Sannidhi) of the presiding deity, Lord Shiva, known here as Arulmigu Athi Nathar. His consort is Adinayagi.

Another highlight of the temple is the Agni Theertham, also known as Shakti Theertham. According to legend, Lord Muruga created this sacred tank using his Velayudham (divine spear).

The Sthala Vriksham (sacred temple tree) is the Vanni Maram (Vanni tree), which can be seen to the left of the Rajagopuram entrance.

The shrine of Muthukumaraswamy (another form of Lord Muruga) is located in the first precinct, just behind the main sanctum.